Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, the beach, and the pool — but it also presents a real challenge for hair health. Prolonged exposure to the sun, chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and frequent use of heat tools can weaken the hair fiber, causing dryness, frizz, and a lack of shine. In this article, we share a practical guide to help you protect your hair during the hottest months and keep it strong, healthy, and well hydrated.

Sun protection for hair: essential in summer

Just like the skin, hair suffers the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Sun exposure can damage the cuticle, alter hair color — especially in dyed hair — and leave it dry and brittle. That’s why it’s essential to apply hair products with UV filters in summer, whether in spray or leave-in cream format, and to reapply them after several hours in the sun or after each swim. Adding a physical barrier like a hat, scarf, or cap also helps protect the hair and preserve its natural hydration.

Reduce the impact of chlorine and saltwater

Saltwater and chlorine are two of the biggest enemies of healthy summer hair. Both can disrupt the scalp’s natural balance and dry out the hair fiber, making it feel rough, dull, and more prone to breakage or tangling. A simple way to minimize their impact is to wet your hair with fresh water before swimming — this way, it absorbs less chlorine or salt.

If you have long hair, tying it into a braid or bun can reduce direct exposure. After swimming, it’s important to rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water. Using a hydrating hair mask once or twice a week also helps restore softness and nourishment.

Sweat also affects the scalp

With high temperatures and increased physical activity, sweat becomes another factor to consider in hair care. Excessive sweating can disrupt the scalp’s pH, clog pores, and contribute to oiliness, itching, or even dandruff. To prevent this, wash your hair more frequently using gentle shampoos that preserve scalp balance.

If you play sports or spend long hours outside, rinsing your hair after sweating can make a big difference. It’s also wise to avoid overly heavy products that may block the roots and interfere with natural scalp perspiration.

Minimize the use of heat tools

In summer, your hair is already exposed to environmental heat stress, so it’s best to limit the use of styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Whenever possible, let your hair air-dry. If you do need to use heat, be sure to apply a thermal protector first to reduce damage. Summer is the perfect time to embrace more natural hairstyles or simple updos — a practical way to maintain both comfort and hair health.

Hats, caps, and scarves: stylish protection

Accessories like hats, caps, and scarves aren’t just stylish — they’re also excellent allies for hair protection. They reduce direct sun exposure, prevent sunburn on areas with less hair density, and help preserve natural moisture. On particularly hot days, especially during peak sun hours, wearing one of these accessories is an easy and effective way to protect your scalp and hair.

Special care after a hair transplant or during treatment

If you’ve recently had a hair transplant or are undergoing a medical treatment such as PRP or mesotherapy, it’s especially important to be cautious during summer. Direct sun exposure can compromise results, particularly in the first few weeks after the procedure. It’s also important to avoid contact with chlorine, saltwater, and sweat in the treated area. At Instituto Médico del Prado, under the supervision of Dr. Espinosa Custodio, we provide personalized guidelines to protect your scalp and ensure optimal recovery. If in doubt, we recommend consulting our medical team before spending time in the sun or engaging in water activities.

Dr. Espinosa Custodio works at the Instituto Médico del Prado, his hair clinic in Madrid or in Mexico City. If you wish to schedule an appointment, you can contact us at the phone number +34 912 468 664, on WhatsApp +34 627 396 322, or through the contact page on our website. If you are contacting us from Mexico, our phone number is +52 55 4590 9909.